Extension recommended for Illinois AD Guenther

Illinois athletic director Ron Guenther is expected to receive a two-year contract extension and a $75,000 raise during the university's board of trustees meeting Wednesday.

Illinois athletic director Ron Guenther is expected to receive a two-year contract extension and a $75,000 raise during the university's board of trustees meeting Wednesday.

Chancellor Richard Herman recommended a contract extension through Jan. 1, 2011 and a salary increase to $600,000 per year. Guenther would also receive a $100,000 bonus if he completes the length of the contract. Guenther's current contract runs through Dec. 31, and Guenther will earn a $250,000 lump sum by completing that contract.

Herman will meet with Guenther in August 2009 and the following August to evaluate Guenther's performance and may recommend an adjustment in Guenther's salary, the university said in a press release. Guenther has worked on single- and multi-year contracts since starting in the position in July 1992.

The Illini football MVP in 1966, Guenther has played a key role in building athletic facilities during his tenure. Under his guidance, the Bielfeldt Athletic Administration Building, the Ubben Basketball Complex, the Irwin Indoor Practice Facility and the Memorial Stadium renovation improved Illinois' infrastructure.

The next major project is the question over building a new basketball facility or renovating Assembly Hall. A decision is expected sometime late in the summer or early fall. While the university will obviously play a role in the decision, it likely wanted Guenther involved in the project.